Bistert-butyldioxyisopropyl Benzene, BIPB, 25155-25-3

BIS(T-BUTYLPEROXYISOPROPYL)BENZENE (BIPB)

Bis(1-(tert-butylperoxy)-1-methylethyl)-benzene / BIPB / Di(t-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene
CAS Number: 25155-25-3
EC Number: 246-678-3

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Bis(t-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene (BIPB) is a strong organic peroxide crosslinking agent belonging to the organic peroxide class. It is preferred in the rubber and plastics industries due to its high efficiency, low dosage, and odorless processing advantages. Commercially, it is known under trade names such as Luperox F, Luperox F90P, and Luperox F40KEP. BIPB provides the same crosslinking effect at approximately 2/3 of the dosage compared to classical organic peroxides such as dicumyl peroxide (DCP). It significantly improves thermal and mechanical properties and has broad polymer compatibility (silicone, EVA, EPDM, CPE, HNBR, etc.). Its advantages—high crosslinking efficiency at low dosage, odorless working environment, and broad polymer compatibility—make BIPB a preferred crosslinking agent in the industry.

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

The physical properties of BIPB vary depending on the concentration. The 96% pure form is a colorless to light yellow solid (melting point ~40-50°C), while the 40% diluted form is a colorless to light yellow liquid. Density at 20°C is approximately 0.92-0.95 g/cm³. Active oxygen content is approximately 4.7-4.8%. Decomposition temperature (1 hour half-life) is 145-155°C and 10 hour half-life is 120-130°C. It is practically insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents. It has strong oxidizing properties. It is stable under controlled conditions but must be protected from heat, light, and contaminants. It is incompatible with strong acids, bases, reducing agents, and heavy metal salts.

3. DECOMPOSITION MECHANISM AND CROSSLINKING

BIPB is an organic peroxide that thermally decomposes to form free radicals. These radicals enable the crosslinking of polymer chains.

Decomposition Reaction:

C₂₀H₃₄O₄ → 2 t-butoxy radicals + 2 acetone + 1 diisopropylbenzene residue

Basic Decomposition Mechanism:

1. O-O Bond Cleavage: BIPB breaks the O-O bond upon heating, forming two t-butoxy radicals.

2. Radical Formation: t-Butoxy radicals fragment to form methyl radicals and acetone.

3. Hydrogen Abstraction: The formed radicals abstract hydrogen atoms from polymer chains, creating polymer radicals.

4. Crosslinking: Polymer radicals combine to form a crosslinked network structure.

Half-Life Data:

Decomposition Products:

• Acetone (volatile)

• Methyl radicals → methane

• t-Butyl alcohol

• Diisopropylbenzene derivatives

4. CONCENTRATION VARIANTS

96% BIPB (Pure Form):

• High reactivity, fast vulcanization processes

• Strong effect at low dosage (approximately 2/3 of other organic peroxides)

• Suitable for high-speed production lines and premium rubber products

• Melting point ~40-50°C

40% BIPB (Diluted Form):

• Suitable for sensitive and controlled reactions

• Easy dosage adjustment

• Safe storage and transportation advantages

• Suitable for small-scale production and applications requiring precise dosing

5. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

BIPB is a strong organic peroxide crosslinking agent used in a wide range of industries. It stands out with its high efficiency at low dosage, odorless processing, and broad polymer compatibility.

5.1. Rubber Industry

BIPB is widely used in the rubber industry for vulcanization and crosslinking processes. It is preferred in applications such as silicone rubber cables, EPDM hoses, CPE insulation, automotive seals, hoses, and profile products.

5.2. Plastics Industry

BIPB is used in the plastics industry for EVA foam crosslinking, polyethylene crosslinking, polypropylene modification, and thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) production. It is common in sports equipment, toys, insulation foams, pipes, cables, films, and foam applications.

5.3. Electrical and Cable Industry

BIPB is used in the electrical and cable industry for flexible insulation, cable sheaths, and HVAC cables. It is preferred in the crosslinking of silicone rubber cables, EPDM cables, CPE-insulated cables, and rubber-sheathed cables.

5.4. Polymer Industry

BIPB is used in the polymer industry for thermal and mechanical resistance improvement, elastomer crosslinking, and composite production.

5.5. Other Applications

BIPB is used in the chemical and paper industries as an oxidative agent in special formulations, in the crosslinking of adhesives and sealants, and in special coating formulations.

6. COMPARISON WITH OTHER ORGANIC PEROXIDES

BIPB provides the same effect at a lower dosage compared to Dicumyl Peroxide (DCP) (approximately 2/3 dosage). Its advantages also include odorless processing, broad polymer compatibility, and fewer volatile byproducts.

7. ADVANTAGES

8. TYPICAL DOSAGES

Note: phr = parts per hundred rubber. These dosages are typical values and should be optimized for specific applications.

9. SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION

BIPB requires careful handling as a strong oxidizing agent and organic peroxide.

9.1. Hazard Classification (GHS)

Signal Word: DANGER

9.2. Toxicological Data

10. HAZARD STATEMENTS (H-CODES) AND PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

Precautionary Statements (P-Codes):

11. FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

12. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

13. STORAGE AND HANDLING

BIPB should be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, protected from direct sunlight and heat sources. Storage temperature must be below 30°C. Contact with strong acids, bases, reducing agents, and heavy metal salts must be avoided. It must be kept in its original packaging, tightly closed. Shelf life under proper storage conditions is 12-24 months. Packaging: 20 kg cardboard boxes (lined).

Handling Notes:

• Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames

• Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing

• Avoid breathing dust/vapor

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Use only with appropriate personal protective equipment

• Keep away from combustible materials

• Monitor temperature to prevent polymerization or decomposition

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

BIPB is classified as a dangerous good with UN number 3106. Hazard class is 5.2 (Organic Peroxide) and Packing Group II. During transport, it should be kept away from heat, sparks, and other ignition sources. The diluted form (40%) provides safer transport advantages.

15. OTHER NAMES AND TRADE NAMES

16. INDUSTRY SUITABILITY AND USAGE RATES

17. SHELF LIFE AND STABILITY

18. DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS AND EFFECTS

19. EFFECT OF BIPB ON RUBBER PERFORMANCE

20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Bis(t-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene (BIPB, CAS 25155-25-3) is a strong organic peroxide crosslinking agent belonging to the organic peroxide class. Its chemical formula is C₂₀H₃₄O₄ and molecular weight is 338.49 g/mol. It appears as a colorless to light yellow liquid or solid (depending on concentration). Active oxygen content is approximately 4.7-4.8%. Decomposition temperature (1 hour half-life) is 145-155°C and 10 hour half-life is 120-130°C. It is commercially available as 96% pure form (solid) and 40% diluted form (liquid). Its most important applications include vulcanization and crosslinking in the rubber and plastics industries, EVA foam, polyethylene crosslinking, cable insulation, silicone rubber, EPDM, HNBR, NBR, and CPE vulcanization. Compared to dicumyl peroxide (DCP), it provides the same effect at approximately 2/3 dosage. It is odorless, has broad polymer compatibility, and provides significant improvement in thermal and mechanical properties. It is classified as UN 3106 (Class 5.2 - Organic Peroxide, Packing Group II). It is stored below 30°C in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, protected from direct sunlight and heat sources. Packaging: 20 kg cardboard boxes.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• ORGANIC PEROXIDE: May cause fire upon heating; explosion risk

• STRONG OXIDIZER: Avoid contact with combustible materials

• IRRITANT: Causes skin, eye, and respiratory irritation

• SENSITIZER: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms if inhaled

• STORAGE: Store below 30°C in cool, dry, well-ventilated area

• PPE REQUIRED: Protective gloves, goggles, protective clothing

• TRANSPORT: UN 3106, Class 5.2, Packing Group II

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

Organic Peroxide Hazard: BIPB is a strong oxidizing agent and organic peroxide. It can undergo rapid and violent decomposition when heated, causing fire and explosion. It must be kept away from heat, sparks, open flames, friction, and contaminants (acids, bases, heavy metal salts, reducing agents).

Temperature Control: Storage and handling temperature of BIPB must be below 30°C. Excessive heating can cause rapid decomposition and spontaneous fire or explosion. Temperature monitoring systems must be used.

Dosage Optimization: BIPB provides the same crosslinking effect at approximately 2/3 of the dosage compared to Dicumyl Peroxide (DCP). Typical dosages: 2-3 phr in rubber compounds, 1.5-2 phr in EVA foams, 1.5-2.5 phr in cable insulation. Dosage should be optimized based on specific polymer and application requirements.

Odorless Advantage: Unlike other organic peroxides such as dicumyl peroxide (DCP), BIPB does not produce odorous byproducts (such as acetophenone) during decomposition. This ensures an odorless final product and eliminates irritating odors in the working environment.

Polymer Compatibility: BIPB is compatible with silicone, EVA, EPDM, CPE, HNBR, TP-2, and many other polymers. This broad compatibility makes it an ideal crosslinking agent for various rubber and plastic applications.

Safe Storage and Transportation: The 40% diluted form provides safer storage and transportation advantages compared to the 96% pure form. The diluted form has lower reactivity and less risk. Storage areas must be equipped with firefighting equipment.

Emergency: In case of spill, remove all ignition sources, contain with an inert absorbent material, and dispose properly. In case of fire, use water fog from a distance, CO₂, or dry chemical powder.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with BIPB.